Road vs Race Shift: The Differences, and Which is Better?

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Road shift is the conventional gear shifting pattern on the vast majority of motorcycles. Sometimes riders reverse the shift pattern for the track, and this is known as race shift. In this video we look at road vs race shift, what differences each bring, and which one you should choose.

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[hondaboy]

I changed to race shift 3 years ago, after 20 + years in road shift. I thought it would be a challenge, but realised it was easy to adapt. The thought process i used was head down, gear down. head up, gear up.
I prefer it, i find it better control, .

[chrisgiroux]

It is also much easier to tap the lever down when you hit redline than it it to pull it up when at full throttle

[King_]

Once switched, it feels more comfortable. All my bikes, road and track, now feature race/reverse shift. Levering up 3-5 gears on track is not as easy as going down however I dont get my foot jammed under the lever on left turns, which was my primary reason to change. Your foot is also more often on the lever, so if anything goes wrong, youre not stuck with a foot on a peg and under a lever

[KristianKumpula]

This video prompted me to try out the race shift pattern since I hadn't realized how simple it is to make the modification until I watched this video. Shifting definitely feels better this way. I think part of the reason for that is that when I shift with the race pattern, my left foot and right wrist simultanously make an identical motion. When I upshift my right wrist makes a downward motion to roll off the throttle and when I downshift my right wrist makes an upward motion to blip the throttle for the rev match. Also, when doing clutchless upshifts, applying the correct amount of pressure for preloading and for the gear shift itself feels easier this way.

[Stickman]

I found that GP Shift gave me, and my big feet, an advantage upshifting when leaned over in left hand turns.  Using Road Shift my toes would drag on the road when I tried to get them under the lever wearing my boot prematurely.  Switching to GP Shift pattern stopped this issue.  It did take a few weekends to adapt.  But, I've found the effort worth it!

[matthewmosca]

Thanks for the unbiased review. There are pros and cons to both styles. I will be sticking with standard shift myself.

[CSIICoatings]

We call it GP shift here in the States. I found GP shift very desirable on low powered bikes combined with a quick shifter. Being able to be wide open throttle and pushing down on the pedal to up shift means increasing speed very fast out of the turns. I had this on my RC390.

[sicxdgixxd]

Switched a few months ago, it was ridiculously easy, a little getting use to but I love it

[dcblxvi]

While upshifting, in a “race shift pattern”, I feel like my body is pushing the front wheel back onto the ground. I think this is a good thing on a corner exit.

[MrJesus]

Great video. I learned to ride on a bike that was set up in race shift so I’ve always changed mine to that since it’s what i’m used to and comfortable with. Yes I have riden road shift and it isn’t bad either just prefer the way I learned it is quicker in upshifting and downshifting isn’t slow if your used to it

[jamesbitetto]

You explained that very well and I am glad that you mentioned that you have a little learning curve. I have a Supercharged HD V Rod Muscle with many mods however, I greatly appreciate and respect your racing knowledge. I am a drag racer and have been riding too many years on the street where the track is the only place to beat the Suzuki Boosters. I am fortunate enough to live close to the beach where there isn't any side roads. With age you gain wisdom and knowledge and to my knowledge, I haven't seen any rabbits or seagulls at the track which could ruin your day. Oh, my Cousin in Kansas ran into a deer and by the grace of God, he survived. I don't remember seeing deers running across the race track. Thank you for doing a great job with explaining things that even an old dog can learn. Actually, I am only 25 but my body is older. MY wife is so much younger and apparently, she gave me the title of " Old Man" which is extremely disrespectful. I that God for every day our creator has given to me. My point is do what you love no matter your age or what l the stereotypes have to say.

[Dstructeur]

Reversed shift all the way for me! As I’m Bigfoot incarnation (US12 for my shoes I think, Euro 46/47), my foot was always hitting the ground when upshifiting on left lean-angle, even on calm road riding.
I calibrated my muscle memory in less than a day and had many hairy moments when taking somebody else’s bikes!

Also, for racing 2 strokes, it helps with shitty gearbox that often get mad and doesn’t let you engage higher gears!

[fuzzfizz]

Learnt to ride more than 25 years ago with race shift (up shifts push foward) from my dad's old suzuki.

[cjeam]

I don’t ride bikes. But gp shifting has always seemed more logical to me. As you’re accelerating and tucked in surely it’s easier to press down.

[Khalid_Bin_Waleed]

I just bought a super cub and I upshift and downshift both pressing down and no clutch. Super comfy bike and so rideable.

[cyclingbikerwholovestotinker]

Great video, glad I watched before jumping in to change, i think I will follow your opinion and leave as is for now 😊

[muffidge]

I didn't know about this Dan. Thanks for the info. It is said "You're never too old to learn!" :-)

[randylarock]

I actually found downshifting much easier with the reverse shift.

[yondaimehokage]

wow I never knew that you can change the shift pattern lol

[michaelwilliams]

Using the GP shift makes it much easier to preload the sifter coming off a corner. A little down pressure, a flick of the wrist and bang, your in the next gear. I've been using this pattern for almost 30 years. It is fun watching my friends try to get going on my bike the first timings they try it though...